Residential electrical/ no layout

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nizak

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Is it uncommon not to have an electrical layout for new custom residential builds?

In the last couple years, I have been doing mainly all custom residential new builds. I ask for switch and recep locations from the G/C and always end up doing my own layout.

Do many here get designer drawings showing locations?
 
nizak said:
Is it uncommon not to have an electrical layout for new custom residential builds?

In the last couple years, I have been doing mainly all custom residential new builds. I ask for switch and recep locations from the G/C and always end up doing my own layout.

Do many here get designer drawings showing locations?
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I prefer a set of prints but do get some with nothing. But I absolutely refuse to nail up a single box without the GC or customer doing a walk through. I explain what is code and have them add to that if they want more. I also make the GC or builder walk through and mark which way the doors swing so as to get the right/correct side for switches.
 
My downfall is that I go overboard on convenience switching. I mean 3 ways and 4 ways that are not required by code.

I've even had customers tell me that there are too many switches after they have moved in.

With the expansive open areas in some of these larger homes and the numerous entry and exit paths it can get ridiculous.
 
Custom homes get the code-required minimum, then a walkthrough with the owner or builder. Often times it's just Sharpie markings on studs with how many gang boxes and what switches to control what lights/fans. Other goodies like baseboard receptacles vs on the wall are also done at this time. We get no official or paper layout/prints.

Make SURE you get ALL pertinent info, especially custom wall treatments (wainscoating) and built-in bookshelves/cases.

The next one I do I'm putting in all adjustable boxes anywhere that the wall detail is subject to change or not 100% known; basically the kitchen, dining room, and anywhere that has baseboard receptacles. We spent too much time and money last time messing with long screws, inserts, wires that were effectively too short, and boxes that wound up buried.
 
I usually print a copy of the plans and lay it out to code. When I meet with the customer and have a walk through that's when they add what they really want.

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infinity said:
Is there no requirement for electrical layout on the prints for plan review?
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there is around here. permitting requires it. inspection has wiggle room though, allows installer to move an item a bit if needed, for say stud was put in wrong place..... as long as no code violations come up they have wiggle room to place stuff. but as far as how many and where, all on the prints along with hvac and plumbing.
 
Plans are required here, but we have more state requirements than most places. Also how do you bid a job if you don't know what you're putting in?
 
cowboyjwc said:
Plans are required here, but we have more state requirements than most places. Also how do you bid a job if you don't know what you're putting in?
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That's why there is a walkthru. Custom home with 120 can lights, 120 LV landscaping lights, spa, 400A service, generator, etc etc etc plus all the NEC required receptacles, AFCI, etc. If you know most/all the codes as to what is required, you pretty much have a ballpark on the standard stuff, then add up all the bells and whistles the customer or builder wants as extras. I've seen a few older residential guys that can almost do all the math in their head and give a quote within a few hours of doing a walkthru.

Commercial jobs are totally different tho, never seen one w/o plans. Houses, never see one with electrical plans.
 
JFletcher said:
That's why there is a walkthru. Custom home with 120 can lights, 120 LV landscaping lights, spa, 400A service, generator, etc etc etc plus all the NEC required receptacles, AFCI, etc. If you know most/all the codes as to what is required, you pretty much have a ballpark on the standard stuff, then add up all the bells and whistles the customer or builder wants as extras. I've seen a few older residential guys that can almost do all the math in their head and give a quote within a few hours of doing a walkthru.

Commercial jobs are totally different tho, never seen one w/o plans. Houses, never see one with electrical plans.
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ptonsparky said:
We had floor plans but I drew in the electrical for my bid. Meeting with customer added details.
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Guess it's ok sounds like you already have the jobs or you wouldn't be spending that much time on them. What has always amazed me about commercial and residential, is that there is very little required electrical that has to be installed in commercial, there is so much more that has to be installed in residential.
 
cowboyjwc said:
Guess it's ok sounds like you already have the jobs or you wouldn't be spending that much time on them. What has always amazed me about commercial and residential, is that there is very little required electrical that has to be installed in commercial, there is so much more that has to be installed in residential.
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Commercial is a fixed need of use where residential is a cover every base.
 
Yeppers

Yeppers

ptonsparky said:
Custom homes required an owner walk through prior to and at rough-in back when. Even now. Wouldn’t even think of it otherwise.
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Agreed completely. Done so many Marin and SF homes not even funny. Idea of blasting through prior to client approval is insane. Real question is how is he even quoting project without baseline
 
ptonsparky said:
We had floor plans but I drew in the electrical for my bid. Meeting with customer added details.
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Then when HVAC or plumber ran their stuff that also wasn't on any pre-construction plans you maybe had to adjust some things, right? If you were lucky just re-route NM cable out of return air spaces here and there.
 
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